Relationships of acoustic and optical C/sub n/2 to surface heat flux

The measurement of C/sub n/2 and its relationships to sensible heat flux have been reported previously. The current intent is to use acoustic and optical methods to infer spatial averages of sensible heat flux, mostly in support of experimental studies of the planetary boundary layer (PBL). It is anticipated that such work will eventually take place over complex terrain, where conventional, point-sampling techniques for measuring sensible heat flux are quite difficult. In this study it is assumed that the acoustic parameter C/sub na/2 and the optical parameter C/sub no/2 can be successfully measured at known altitudes in the lower PBL. The task is to relate these parameters to the surface sensible heat flux H during unstable and slightly stable conditions in the lower atmosphere. Preliminary results are reported